World No.1 Novak Djokovic said he is nearing his peak after a devastating defeat of Tommy Haas at the Hopman Cup on Friday.
Just two days after a shock loss to Australia's Bernard Tomic at the international mixed-team event, the five-time grand slam winner sent an ominous warning to his rivals with a 6-2 6-0 rout of the German.
Djokovic had complained of jet lag and a lack of preparation in midweek, but the Serbian showed he was shaking off any lingering after-effects of a busy pre-season with a polished display at Perth Arena.
"It's been a great performance from beginning to the end," Djokovic told reporters.
"Tommy is always a tricky player and surely he's not the one to underestimate on the court and you know I tried my best, I was really focused from the start and I just felt drastically better than in the first few days here in Perth.
"I think that's also the reason because I've been here a few more days and got some rest, got some practice, got used to the balls, the conditions here so I'm glad I brought Serbia a point.
"Right now, I believe I am where I need to be, not still 100 percent, you know physically also, but I'm getting there, we're still working on some things in particular that will make me feel 100 percent for Melbourne in 10 days."
Despite still having to front up for the Hopman Cup decider against Spain on Saturday, Djokovic has already turned his focus on a tilt at a fourth Australian Open crown.
And the Serb stressed that Melbourne Park memories hold a special place in his heart.
"Oh, it's a huge challenge," he said of his chances of lifting the trophy at Rod Laver Arena for a third consecutive year, and fourth time overall.
"I mean I love (the) Australian Open, that court brings back the best memories of my career, great support I always get there and night sessions, day sessions, it's always interesting to play.
"It's one of the four biggest events we have in sport, every grand slam brings something special to it so Australian Open is by far my most successful one so I'm really looking forward to it.
"I like the hard court, I like the conditions and I'm going to go for the trophy of course."
Djokovic's Serbia teammate Ana Ivanovic was just as impressive in her 6-0 6-1 thrashing of Tatjana Malek, a result recorded in an astonishing 37 minutes and which confirmed the Balkan nation's place in the final.
Ivanovic has made a fast start to the new season with three flawless performances in Perth this week, and the world number 13 said she was delighted with how her game is progressing.
"Tonight I really didn't do much wrong and I really put my head down to work hard for this match and from the first moment I started to put pressure under her and I was really dominating, striking the ball well and it made a big difference," she said.
"I'm really thrilled with mine and Novak's victory today and that we are through to the final."